AFC WimbledonSport

AFC Wimbledon boss emphasises the importance of his squad depth after Bradford win

BY MITCHELL HALL

Johnnie Jackson made it clear that squad rotation will be crucial in Wimbledon’s hunt for promotion, having made three changes to his attacking unit for their 1-0 win over Bradford yesterday.

Among those changes were James Tilley, who scored the only goal of that victory when he ghosted in at the back post to nod home a perfect Jake Reeves delivery in the 13th minute.

Omar Bugiel and Josh Kelly also came into the line-up, with new arrival Marcus Browne and youngster Aron Sasu making appearances off the bench to give the team a burst of late energy to see out the victory.

AFC Wimbledon v Bradford City – SkyBet League Two Plough Lane 01 February 2025
Picture : Keith Gillard

“It’s important that lads get opportunities,” said Jackson. “The easy thing when you’re playing well like we are is to just grind out the same team, but I felt going up to crewe on Tuesday night, after a tough game on saturday, was an opportunity to freshen it up.

“The lads who came in did great, then we made some more changes today and that will continue to be the case, especially when you’ve got a quick turnaround between games. We are going to need every single one of them if we’re gonna try and achieve anything this season. They’ve all got a role to play.

“There’s going to be opportunities down the road because of the amount of games, injuries and suspensions that I am sure are still to come.

“There’s going to be some disappointment when you’re not playing and that’s fine, but you need to be a good team-mate as well when you’ve not got the opportunity, and wait for your own.

AFC Wimbledon v Bradford City – SkyBet League Two Plough Lane 01 February 2025
Picture : Keith Gillard

“That’s what we’ve got, we’ve got a good group of lads, so it’s obviously my job to keep that bubbling and keep managing it.”

Among those being provided their opportunity is Browne, who made his first start for the Dons on Tuesday, and is expected to become a key player under Jackson.

“[Browne] is a top player isn’t he?” said Jackson. “We started him in the week and he played longer than I anticipated because he was really bright at crewe, 70 plus minutes, so we used him on the bench today.

“He’s going to be an important player for us so we have to manage him and that’s why I didn’t start him today and used him from the bench, because we need to try and keep him fit for the running because he can definitely make a difference in games.”

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